The Toxic singer and her fiance Kevin Federline have been having secret meetings at a Catholic monastery in California at the request of their Christian parents, who were devastated by Spears’ plans to marry under the mystical offshoot of Judaism, reports Britain’s Daily Mirror.

The 22-year-old was impressed by Malibu’s Serra Retreat Center – home to devout Catholic monks since 1943 – and is “dead set” on using it for her big day, believing the secluded retreat will ensure her nuptials remain private.

A family friend says: “Britney postponed her original summer at home wedding because she wanted to please her family, who are practising Christians, and Kevin’s family who take their Catholic faith very seriously.

“She’d even booked Rabbi Yehuda Berg from the LA Kabbalah centre to officiate, but in the end felt that holding the ceremony at her house just wasn’t practical. The retreat is incredibly peaceful. And they can easily arrange a Kabbalah blessing later.”